Perfect Match – CH 045

Chapter 45

At the Teng Mansion.

Canglang Pavilion had been quiet for quite some time, but today it finally became lively again. Qingxuan had arranged flowers in the courtyard in advance, all the gauze curtains and screens had been replaced with new ones, and the maids had swept the courtyard clean early in the morning.

At this moment, Deng Ruyun and Teng Xiao were both dressed in festive jackets. The latter, wanting to defy his mother, specifically chose plain clothes for her. After being gently persuaded by Deng Ruyun, she put on a light yellow padded jacket with pavilion-like design. Deng Ruyun wore a lilac-colored jacket embroidered with plum blossoms. Seeing this, Teng Yue also chose a dark red brocade robe with subtle embroidery.

When Old Madam Lin returned home, she saw her children all dressed so festively to greet her, especially her troublesome daughter, who was also dressed brightly and beautifully. She was momentarily stunned and cautiously inquired about her daughter’s attire.

“You have not gotten into any big trouble waiting for me, have you?”

Upon hearing this, Teng Xiao turned to leave, pulling Deng Ruyun back. “Sister-in-law, I told you, why wear these? Mother does not even like them!”

Deng Ruyun chuckled and quickly pulled her away. Old Madam Lin, understanding the implication, exchanged glances with Qingxuan to stop her.

After a few words of persuasion from both sides, Teng Xiao finally stopped.

Old Madam Lin was even more surprised that her daughter was willing to listen to reason. She blinked and looked at her daughter several times, but this time she did not say anything like that. She only said to Teng Yue, “I stayed at Wutai Mountain for a long time this time and bought quite a few things both up and down the mountain. Let me have them brought out for you to see.”

Teng Yue readily agreed, called a servant to bring over the chest, and personally opened it, revealing a chest full of things.

Madam Teng instructed her head maid, Ziyuan, to bring out a soft armor. “It’s rattan armor made by craftsmen from Shanxi. Although it’s rattan, it’s exceptionally resilient and lightweight. It’s suitable for petty thieves and bandits.”

Teng Yue thanked her mother. Then, seeing Ziyuan produce a box of silver-inlaid beaded jewelry, Teng Xiao remarked, “This is not for me, is it?”

She did not want any jewelry.

But it was for her. Old Madam Lin had anticipated her reaction. Seeing her daughter pouting, she wanted to scold her for her lack of manners, but could not bear to argue with her upon her arrival. She then gestured to Ziyuan.

Ziyuan quickly explained, “Miss, look closely. This jewelry is incredibly exquisite. Many parts can be disassembled!”

Teng Xiao glanced at it, and with a slight movement, she saw a silver hairpin with a delicate technique beneath the petals. With a slight movement, she selected two dagger-like leaves. “It’s quite interesting,” she could not help but say.

As she spoke, she showed it to Deng Ruyun. “Sister-in-law, look, the workmanship is quite exquisite.”

Deng Ruyun looked at it and indeed, noticing that Old Madam Lin was secretly observing her daughter’s reaction, she whispered to Teng Xiao.

“Quickly thank her.”

Teng Xiao, prompted by her words, looked seriously at her mother. “Thank you, Mother.”

Hearing Deng Ruyun say this, Old Madam Lin only gave a perfunctory “hmm,” but behind the teacup she was holding, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.

Deng Ruyun thought to herself that the interaction between this mother and daughter was truly awkwardly interesting.

Besides, Old Madam Lin naturally brought back some flower seeds, fabrics, and other items for the family. Deng Ruyun did not expect to receive anything for herself; she simply helped Ziyuan and Qingxuan organize everything Old Madam Lin had brought back.

She noticed that Old Madam Lin had brought back more things than she had taken on her trip. Some were for the family; others were for distributing to the ladies of friendly families in Xi’an. The items were comprehensive and complete, and some were even gifts from people she had received at Wutai Mountain.

Deng Ruyun secretly thought that Old Madam Lin’s trip had been quite fruitful.

While she, Qingxuan, and Ziyuan were unpacking, Teng Yue frowned as he looked at the items.

Admittedly, his mother had brought many things, many of which were for home use, but he and Teng Xiao each had a certain item that their mother had specifically prepared for them. However, their mother had not mentioned it… Did even his mother think that Ruyun’s status was too low?

Teng Yue’s brows furrowed even more.

Just then, Old Madam Lin suddenly called Deng Ruyun.

“Ruyun, come here.”

Deng Ruyun was carefully unpacking when she suddenly heard Old Madam Lin call her. She was startled for a moment before going over and seeing that Old Madam Lin took a small box from a large box beside her. Opening the small, palm-sized box, she found two bottles of medicine inside.

“These two bottles of medicine are from Shanxi. I heard they are effective for treating mental confusion and memory loss in the elderly. I do not know if they will be effective for your grandmother’s illness.”

As she spoke, she took out a piece of paper from the side. “I also bought the prescription for this medicine. You know your stuff; take a close look at the ingredients in this prescription and see if it can help you.”

Deng Ruyun stared at the medicine and the prescription, momentarily stunned.

While the medicine itself was relatively easy to buy, the prescription, though just a thin piece of paper, must have cost a fortune.

What was most precious was that Old Madam Lin was thinking of her grandmother’s illness…

She snapped out of her reverie, bowed formally to Old Madam Lin, and thanked her.

“Thank you for remembering my grandmother, Old Madam. I will remember your kindness.”

Old Madam Lin smiled and nodded in response.

Upon hearing this, Teng Yue stepped forward and stood beside her. “No need to be so polite with my mother,” he said. “She’s prepared gifts for all the neighbors; how could she not think of you?”

Seeing that his mother had also prepared something for his wife, Teng Yue felt reassured.

But his words made Deng Ruyun’s hand, holding the medicine and prescription, slightly tremble.

The gift from Old Madam Lin was far more valuable than the tea and rare items she had prepared for her neighbors. Its value lay in the fact that her grandmother’s illness was her deepest concern, and what Old Madam Lin had given her was exactly what she wanted.

But thinking of this, Deng Ruyun’s heart sank.

She understood why Old Madam Lin had given her such a generous gift, but in the days since the old lady’s departure, she had almost completely disrupted the contracts that the old lady had painstakingly arranged…

Holding the medicine and prescription from Old Madam Lin, Deng Ruyun could not bring herself to look at Teng Yue.

She remained silent.

Fortunately, the old lady told her not to be so polite: “Whether it will work or not is still unknown. Go back and try it with your grandmother.”

Deng Ruyun quickly agreed. Seeing that Ziyuan had almost finished unpacking and knowing that Old Madam Lin clearly had questions for Teng Yue, Deng Ruyun temporarily left Canglang Pavilion with Teng Xiao.

Old Madam Lin guessed that Teng Yue had some matters of court to discuss, but Teng Yue did not seem to elaborate to his mother. Deng Ruyun had just returned to Liumingxuan when he left Canglang Pavilion.

Perhaps Old Madam Lin was tired from traveling for over ten days, so she rested alone in Canglang Pavilion in the afternoon. In the evening, a proper meal was prepared in the kitchen, and then everyone went to Canglang Pavilion for a family dinner.

These past few days, Deng Ruyun had gotten used to someone pulling out her chair at Liumingxuan. Before she even started eating, he would pull her to his side. Later, he simply pulled out her chair before she even sat down, leaving her no choice but to sit next to him.

But today was a family banquet at Canglang Pavilion, and Deng Ruyun, fearing he might act up again, had quietly told him beforehand that, according to custom, she was to sit next to Old Madam Lin. “We cannot let Xiao’er sit with the Old Madam, can we? What if the mother and daughter start arguing again?”

Seeing that Teng Yue only sighed softly and did not say anything more, she felt reassured and added, “At the banquet later, General, please do not serve me any more food.”

He now spent half his meal serving her food and soup, more restless than a maid. If he did this again tonight, he might frighten his mother.

Deng Ruyun explained, “General, you’ve been serving me too much food. I’ve been eating until I am stuffed these past few days, and I am still full. General, you can eat more in the future; not everyone can eat this much.”

Her complaining expression made Teng Yue laugh. It was always good when she did not push him away.

He could only say, “Alright,” looking at her eyes and brows, “I understand.”

Deng Ruyun felt relieved upon hearing this. Soon, a family banquet was set up in the Canglang Pavilion. Clearly, Old Madam Lin was in a very good mood; she had even had a pot of osmanthus wine warmed, its honey-like fragrance filling the air. The small family banquet did not adhere to many formalities, and the group began to chat.

Old Madam Lin first spoke a few words to Teng Yue, then inquired about Teng Xiao’s studies.

Teng Xiao replied frankly, “Anyway, it’s all about studying. Where I study does not matter. I think the teacher my brother found for me is quite good. Studying at home does not require traveling, and I can concentrate better.”

However, Old Madam Lin’s intention in sending her to the Zheng family’s school was not solely for academic purposes; it was also to help her make friends. Seeing that she had a tutor at home and was even less willing to go out, she frowned.

Teng Yue, however, said, “If the ox will not eat grass, can Mother force it? Rather than make things worse, it’s better this way.” He added with a smile, “I think she’d rather study with Linglang.”

Teng Xiao quickly chimed in, “Mother, do not underestimate Linglang just because she’s young. She’s much more sensible and well-mannered than many teenage girls, and she’s completely focused on her studies.”

Since the siblings brought this up, Deng Ruyun had no choice but to explain a few things to Old Madam Lin.

“…The General saw that Linglang was of school age, and since Sister Xiao did not mind, he let her go to school with him.”

Old Madam Lin nodded upon hearing this but asked, “Why did I not see Linglang come to eat with us?”

Deng Ruyun explained that the tutor had gone back to his hometown for the New Year yesterday and would only come to teach at the Teng family after the Lantern Festival. Since the tutor was away, “I sent Linglang back to the east of the city.”

Teng Xiao expressed her dissatisfaction: “It’s almost the New Year, and you still sent Linglang away? Would it not be better if she stayed with us?”

Deng Ruyun smiled. “But her great-grandmother keeps calling out for her, so she has to go back to keep her company.”

Old Madam Lin knew that Linglang was adorable and endearing, but ultimately, they could not stay together for long; it was best not to get too close. Seeing that Deng Ruyun had sent Linglang away as soon as the school closed, she nodded secretly and even had Qingxuan pour Deng Ruyun a cup of osmanthus wine.

“You should try some too. They say it’s osmanthus wine from Sichuan; it’s sweeter.”

Qingxuan poured wine, giving Deng Ruyun a full glass.

Teng Yue glanced at his wife, tilting his head slightly.

“Can Yunniang drink this much?”

Deng Ruyun had not drunk much. She said, “I will try my best. If I cannot, I will go straight home after I finish.”

She spoke seriously, but Teng Yue laughed out loud.

Deng Ruyun did not know what was so funny, but Old Madam Lin also laughed, not noticing anything amiss.

However, Deng Ruyun felt that even if Old Madam Lin did not see anything, someone would tell her. Her current situation with Teng Yue could not be completely hidden. For example, that Aunt Yang, Old Madam’s cousin, would probably come to her door soon to complain bitterly. She just did not know when.

Just as she took a sip of wine, she heard Old Madam Lin ask Qingxuan, “Have you received any invitations from anyone these past few days?”

Qingxuan replied that with the New Year approaching, everyone was busy with their own affairs, and there were not many banquets. “But the Yang family’s aunt has invited you to visit them sometime tomorrow or the day after.”

Old Madam Lin raised an eyebrow. “What does she want? Is she in such a hurry to see me?”

Deng Ruyun thought to herself, “It seems I’ve really angered that Second Madam Yang quite a bit.”

Second Madam Yang was eager to complain to the Old Madam, probably hoping that Old Madam Lin would immediately terminate the contract, withhold the remaining payments, and coldly kick her out of Xi’an Prefecture.

She did want more time, at least to solidify her position in Xi’an Prefecture, but whether Old Madam Lin would listen to Madam Yang and drive her away was beyond her complete control.

Deng Ruyun lowered her head and ate her meal.

When the Old Madam asked, Qingxuan shook her head. “Aunt only said she was waiting to see you, but did not say what it was about.”

Deng Ruyun could not control Madam Yang’s mouth, so she could only finish her meal first. If Old Madam Lin wanted to send her away immediately, she would have to think of another way.

But then Teng Yue suddenly spoke up.

“Since she could not say what it was about, it’s either unimportant or something she cannot tell anyone. I’ve said before that our family should have less contact with Aunt in the future. Mother has just returned home; she should stay and rest.”

Teng Yue’s expression was somber as he spoke. Old Madam Lin looked at her son and asked a question.

“Has Yu Chuan seen her recently?”

Deng Ruyun looked over as well, only to see Teng Yue speak directly.

“Indeed, I saw her. A few days ago, at the Zheng family’s celebratory banquet, I saw this aunt spouting nonsense with someone, saying things that were unbearable to listen to.”

Deng Ruyun was unaware that Teng Yue had overheard Madam Yang talking about her, but after Teng Yue finished speaking, his gaze fell on her face, as if he would have relayed Madam Yang’s words to his mother if she had not been there.

Although he did not say anything, Old Madam Lin understood.

She thought to herself that her cousin was really clueless; what could Deng Ruyun do, insisting on arguing with someone?

But seeing that Deng Ruyun’s expression was normal, while Teng Yue’s face was very displeased, Old Madam Lin said.

“Yu Chuan is right. I think she should be alright, so I will not see her.”

As she spoke, she made arrangements for Qingxuan.

“Tell her I just got back and do not have time to visit her. Let her have a peaceful New Year.”

Qingxuan agreed.

Deng Ruyun had not expected that her worries would be so easily dismissed by Teng Yue’s two sentences.

She glanced up at him. The man looked back, seemingly wanting to serve her some food, but remembering her instructions before the meal, he could only say with a hint of helplessness, “Pickled radishes are easy to digest; eat more.”

Deng Ruyun nodded, but Teng Xiao muttered, “Second brother really knows how to talk. This whole table of chicken, duck, fish, and meat, and he only lets Sister-in-law eat radishes. Does Sister-in-law have a grudge against you?”

Teng Yue: “…”

Deng Ruyun chuckled inwardly.

Old Madam Lin, however, was quite surprised to see that her daughter was much more cheerful than before, and her surprise was tinged with a touch of joy.

Before, she would glare at her when she spoke to her, but now she had become “well-behaved,” at least managing to finish her meal with her.

Although she had been away from home for months, and even Nanny Wei was absent, everything at home was in perfect order. Reassured, she looked at Deng Ruyun and could not help but nod in approval.

That child was good. If she had the privileged upbringing of Fourth Young Lady Zhang, this family would be incredibly prosperous and happy.

Unfortunately, this child did not…

*

The family dinner tonight went exceptionally smoothly. With just a few words, Teng Yue postponed Madam Yang’s complaint until after the New Year.

Perhaps the situation had eased somewhat, or perhaps it was the pleasant intoxication of that full cup of osmanthus wine, but once Deng Ruyun returned to Liumingxuan, she began to plan. She would take advantage of the bustling crowds around the New Year to promote some medicines at her small pharmacy.

Teng Yue went to the outer courtyard, and she then sat at the desk, writing and drawing. But running a shop and doing business was not just about what herbs to use or what formulas to make; it required understanding the entire shop’s expenses and income, making it far more complex than simply supplying medicine.

Deng Ruyun had asked Shopkeeper Qin to show her the accounts of Cixin Hall for the past three years a few days ago, and today she had Xiuniang find her an abacus. She was currently flipping through the accounts, moving the beads.

Deng Ruyun was not the manager or the accountant; she was just a pharmacist. She knew how to use an abacus, but she was slow and needed to concentrate fully.

She did not know when Teng Yue had entered; she only heard him suddenly ask her a question.

“Would you like to come out of the city with me in a couple of days?”

His question made Deng Ruyun instantly forget where she had been calculating.

She had painstakingly calculated several pages, but this person’s question completely threw her into disarray.

She snapped, “I am not going anywhere!”

It was almost New Year’s, and his office was quiet and closed for the holidays. He was free, but she was counting on making money before and after the New Year. She did not have time to go out and suffer in the cold with him.

After saying this, she looked at the abacus she’d been working on for so long, hummed, and put it back down.

Teng Yue had just heard from Kong Hui that a large tiger had been spotted outside the city, inviting him to go hunting and visit Shen Yanxing.

Shen Yanxing was the son of the persecuted General Shen. Although Teng Yue had rescued him by leading troops to the border, he had been seriously injured and was recuperating at a farm outside Xi’an.

The Teng family also owned farms there. Teng Yue thought it would be awkward to leave his wife alone at home, but Kong Hui had already mentioned visiting Shen Yanxing twice, so he could not refuse. He then decided to take her with him.

The more he thought about it, the better it seemed. Otherwise, he’d leave Xi’an, but she’d go to the pharmacy; would he not be giving someone an opportunity for nothing?

But when Teng Yue spoke, he inadvertently disrupted her arithmetic. He saw that although she did not say much, she seemed annoyed, her lips pursed.

Teng Yue secretly regretted speaking at the wrong time. Seeing she was a little angry, he quickly went over.

“It’s all my fault. Let me help you recalculate.”

Deng Ruyun did not want to order him around and shook her head. “General, you are a master at leading troops, but when it comes to something like an abacus, I am probably faster.”

But Teng Yue simply took her abacus and pulled up a stool to sit beside her.

“You tell me the numbers, and I will calculate. That will be faster.”

Deng Ruyun really did not intend to trouble him and was about to say no when he spoke again, his voice low and muffled.

“If you will not let me do the calculations, who do you want Yunniang to help?”

Deng Ruyun: ?

Did she mean that?

But the man’s voice lowered slightly, and he only looked into her eyes. Deng Ruyun could not resist, thinking that he had finally stopped bothering her and that they should “slowly” get to know each other, so she could only nod.

She agreed and rearranged the accounts, giving the numbers to Teng Yue to calculate.

Unexpectedly, Teng Yue was actually quite fast with the abacus, but her abacus was a bit small, and his hands were quite large, making it a little difficult to move the beads.

But the man was delighted. “I see there are still many accounts to calculate,” he said. “I will simply become your accountant. We can get a bigger abacus later; it will be easier for me to learn.”

Deng Ruyun could not afford a third-rank official to be her accountant, but since he was so happy, she let him have his way. “Just two more pages to go.”

She flipped through the account pages, reading the numbers aloud, adding a few strokes to her notebook as she did so. She was so focused on her writing that she did not even notice a faint ink stain that had somehow appeared on her face.

Teng Yue, however, could not help but reach out and gently wipe the ink stain from her cheek with his fingertips.

She was completely absorbed in her writing and had not noticed his movement, but when his warm fingertips touched her face, she suddenly realized and turned her head.

Teng Yue was already sitting close to her, and wiping her face had brought him even closer. Now, with her sudden turn, they were almost only a fist’s width apart.

The scent of ink swirled and rose between them, rising and swirling with their intertwined, warm breaths.

The lingering fragrance of osmanthus wine still clung to her lips, which seemed to have been coated with honey, shimmering sweetly in the light.

Teng Yue’s heart skipped a beat. His hand, which had been pressed against her cheek, moved to behind her ear, gently cradling her head towards him.

Their breaths mingled, growing ever more intimate and warm.

Deng Ruyun’s mind, which had been focused on calculating accounts, seemed to freeze. She saw him slowly close his eyes, his nose touching hers, his lips meeting hers.

She froze, her heart skipping a beat at his close breath.

But then she suddenly spoke.

“What kind of accountant are you? Why are you getting handsy?!”

She feigned anger, scolding him lightly, then immediately placed her hand on his face. “Sit still, or I will not let you work.”

The man was startled by her push and then could not help but laugh.

He reached out to pull her into his arms and give her a few squeezes, but she seemed to see through his intentions and quickly stood up and dodged.

“I told you, behave yourself, or I will really have you beaten out of the house!”

She dodged quickly, and Teng Yue missed her, only laughing even harder at her words.

Never thought that he, Teng Yue, would one day experience the treatment of a lecher.

He smiled and apologized profusely, “Do not be angry, boss. I will reflect on my actions and will not touch you again.”

Deng Ruyun could not help but smile at his words. Seeing him sit back down, she sat down again to continue the calculations.

The fragrance of ink seemed to sense the harmonious and warm atmosphere, flowing even faster, like the tinkling, leaping waters of a mountain hot spring.

But then, Deng Ruyun suddenly heard the man speak.

“I will find you a new physician to practice at the pharmacy. That Master Bai must have other business in Xi’an, and he’s also involved with the Grand Princess, who’s been searching for him. Why should we get involved with him?”

He looked up at her.

“Yunniang, let him go.”

Deng Ruyun paused slightly.

… …

At Cixin Hall.

Having just seen off the last patient and preparing to leave, physician Bai Chunfu’s eyelids twitched a few times.

A sense of foreboding made him frown slightly.

… …

At the Yang Mansion in the south of the city.

Madam Yang received a letter from a maid in the Teng household, saying that her cousin, Old Madam Lin, had just returned home and was too busy, and to arrange a meeting after the New Year.

Madam Yang snorted upon hearing this.

Although the New Year was not far away, the thought of her little betrothed, Deng Ruyun, bullying her while her cousin remained unaware made her impatient.

But did her cousin really not intend to see her?